Application and enrollment information, and overview of the preschool programs offered in LWSD

The LWSD Preschool Program focuses on providing children and families with a successful first-school experience. Families with a 3- and/or 4-year-old child living within the boundaries of Lake Washington School District are eligible to apply for the preschool program.

LWSD offers the following preschool programs:

Head Start

Head Start is a federally funded comprehensive early childhood program offering services for the entire family and focuses on school readiness. Families whose income meets the federal poverty guidelines qualify for the Head Start component of the preschool program. The program is designed for children ages 3 and 4, with priority for enrollment given to 4-year-olds. Verification of income must be received before a family can be considered for placement in Head Start. A Family Support Specialist works with families to obtain all needed income documentation.

Head Start Preschool hours*

Morning classes: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Afternoon classes: 12:30 – 4 p.m.

Head Start locations: A.G. Bell (Kirkland) and Dickinson Elementary (Redmond)

*Times may vary slightly at individual schools.

Learn more about the Head Start Preschool Program

Lake Washington School District Preschool Program

The program offers a comprehensive early childhood learning experience in preparation for kindergarten. Classes include typically developing children from the community as well as students receiving special education.

Preschool hours*

Morning classes: 10 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.
Afternoon classes: 1:30 – 4 p.m.

*Times may vary at individual schools.

Learn more about the Lake Washington School District Preschool Program

SNAPS

Students Needing Additional Programming Support (SNAPS) is a special education program serving eligible preschool students ages 3-5 with a primary diagnosis of autism. The SNAPS program is designed to supplement the LWSD preschool program and better meet the needs of students with autism and their families. It is an intensive, early-intervention program that involves extensive evaluation, planning and progress-monitoring to help better prepare children for kindergarten entry.

SNAPS hours:*

SNAPS students attend both preschool and SNAPS.

10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. or 12:30 - 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, in addition to preschool

*Times may vary slightly at individual schools.

Learn more about the SNAPS Program

Program structure

The preschool program school year begins in mid-September. Classes are located at elementary schools across the district. Students are assigned to the school nearest their home with available space. Average class size is 15-18 students. Preschoolers attend four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Preschool children and families have access to a variety of services, which may include:

• Unique education experiences
• Literacy program
• Vision, hearing & developmental screenings
• Parent education opportunities
• Health and nutrition education for children and families

Classroom activities are based on the Creative Curriculum to prepare children for kindergarten.